The Burden of Wealth: Finding Joy in God's Gifts

Ecclesiastes 5:13-20

Ecclesiastes 5:13–20 NIV

13 I have seen a grievous evil under the sun: wealth hoarded to the harm of its owners, 14 or wealth lost through some misfortune, so that when they have children there is nothing left for them to inherit. 15 Everyone comes naked from their mother’s womb, and as everyone comes, so they depart. They take nothing from their toil that they can carry in their hands. 16 This too is a grievous evil: As everyone comes, so they depart, and what do they gain, since they toil for the wind? 17 All their days they eat in darkness, with great frustration, affliction and anger. 18 This is what I have observed to be good: that it is appropriate for a person to eat, to drink and to find satisfaction in their toilsome labor under the sun during the few days of life God has given them—for this is their lot. 19 Moreover, when God gives someone wealth and possessions, and the ability to enjoy them, to accept their lot and be happy in their toil—this is a gift of God. 20 They seldom reflect on the days of their life, because God keeps them occupied with gladness of heart.

Introduction:

There is a fable. Aesop’s Fables. Maybe you have heard of it . There is one of the stories.

A Miser had buried his gold in a secret place in his garden. Every day he went to the spot, dug up the treasure and counted it piece by piece to make sure it was all there. He made so many trips that a Thief, who had been observing him, guessed what it was the Miser had hidden, and one night quietly dug up the treasure and made off with it.

When the Miser discovered his loss, he was overcome with grief and despair. He groaned and cried and tore his hair.

A passerby heard his cries and asked what had happened.

“My gold! O my gold!” cried the Miser, wildly, “someone has robbed me!”

“Your gold! There in that hole? Why did you put it there? Why did you not keep it in the house where you could easily get it when you had to buy things?”

“Buy!” screamed the Miser angrily. “Why, I never touched the gold. I couldn’t think of spending any of it.”

The stranger picked up a large stone and threw it into the hole.

“If that is the case,” he said, “cover up that stone. It is worth just as much to you as the treasure you lost!”

The Preacher in Ecclesiastes saw the same tragedy—that wealth, when hoarded or idolized, becomes a burden rather than a blessing. In this passage, we’re reminded that money, for all its promises, can never give what only God can: lasting joy.

The Perils of Hoarding Riches

“There is a grievous evil that I have seen under the sun: riches were kept by their owner to his hurt...” (v. 13)

The Teacher observed people who stored up wealth for themselves—who lived in fear of losing it or loved it so much that they refused to enjoy it. And what happened? It hurt them. Like a spiritual toxin, the very thing they hoped would bring comfort became a source of pain.

The Hebrew word for “hurt” here (ra’ah) implies moral evil and sorrow. Riches hoarded, rather than used for good, lead to grief.

Think of Gollum in The Lord of the Rings—his “precious” consumed him. That’s the image Ecclesiastes paints here.

🡺 Application: Do we own our wealth—or does it own us? God gives us resources not to be clutched in fear, but to be enjoyed and shared.

🡺 Christ Connection: Jesus said, “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:21). His life of generosity calls us to steward wealth with open hands, not clenched fists.

The Futility of Material Pursuits

“As he came from his mother’s womb he shall go again... he takes nothing for his toil...” (v. 15)

Here’s a reality check: You can’t take it with you. No U-Hauls behind hearses. Whether you lived in a palace or a trailer, you leave it all behind.

Saint Anthony once said:

“Those who lived in modest circumstances, and those who had wealth and fame, leave this life like an inn, taking with them no worldly comforts or riches, but only what they have done in this life—good or bad.”

🡺 Application: If our lives are driven by possessions, we’re chasing wind. The things we accumulate will vanish, but the way we love, serve, and give—that echoes in eternity.

🡺 Christ Connection: Christ gave up heavenly riches and came poor so that we might become rich in Him (2 Corinthians 8:9). The inheritance we have in Christ is eternal.

Embrace God’s Provision

“Behold, what I have seen to be good and fitting is to eat and drink and find enjoyment in all the toil…” (v. 18)

Now the tone shifts. Instead of doom and gloom, there’s an invitation—enjoy what God gives.

The word gift appears three times. Work, food, relationships—they are God’s gifts, not guarantees of success or wealth, but of meaning and joy in the moment.

🡺 Application: Enjoy your work. Enjoy your family. Enjoy a good meal. Not as idols, but as glimpses of grace.

🡺 Illustration: The fulfilled person doesn’t “dwell unduly” on the past but plunges joyfully into the present. That kind of life, grounded in gratitude, is what God desires for us.

🡺 Christ Connection: Jesus said, “I came that they may have life and have it abundantly” (John 10:10). In Him, we find the freedom to enjoy what we have without obsessing over what we don’t.

Contentment and Joy in Christ

“He will not much remember the days of his life because God keeps him occupied with joy in his heart.” (v. 20)

What a beautiful image: a person who is so joyfully wrapped up in the goodness of God that they’re not constantly fixated on regrets or anxieties. This is the kind of life Christ offers—not one driven by comparison or fear, but grounded in contentment.

🡺 Application: How often are we robbed of joy by “what ifs”? Instead, God invites us to live fully in the present, to practice gratitude daily, and to see every moment as an opportunity to glorify Him.

🡺 Christ Connection: Philippians 4:11–13 reminds us: “I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content… I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

Next Steps:

Ecclesiastes doesn’t condemn wealth—it warns us about worshiping it. The Preacher’s wisdom is clear: Wealth is a poor savior but can be a wonderful servant—when submitted to God.

Hoarding brings sorrow.

Chasing riches ends in emptiness.

Gratitude brings joy.

And contentment in Christ transforms life.

So, friends: Let’s not measure our lives by bank accounts or possessions. Let’s measure them by gratitude, generosity, and the joy that comes from knowing Jesus.

Questions for Further Discussion:

In what ways have you seen wealth become a burden in your own life or in others' lives?

How can we cultivate a heart of contentment, especially in a culture of comparison?

What practical steps can we take to enjoy God’s gifts without idolizing them?

How does knowing our inheritance is in Christ change how we view money and possessions?

Would you like slides, discussion handouts, or a companion devotional for this message?

Bibliography

Hubbard, David A., and Lloyd J. Ogilvie. Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon. Vol. 16 of The Preacher’s Commentary Series. Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Inc, 1991. Moore, David G., and Daniel L. Akin. Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs. Edited by Max Anders. Vol. 14. Nashville, TN: Holman Reference, 2003. Lohfink, Norbert. A Continental Commentary: Qoheleth. Minneapolis, MN: Fortress Press, 2003. Cone, Christopher. Life Beyond the Sun: An Introduction to Worldview & Philosophy through the Lens of Ecclesiastes. Ft. Worth, TX: Tyndale Seminary Press, 2009.

https://fablesofaesop.com/the-miser-and-his-gold.html

The Burden of Wealth: Finding Joy in God's Gifts

Summary: This passage cautions against the pitfalls of wealth, noting that hoarding riches can lead to sorrow and disappointment, emphasizing that true satisfaction comes from enjoying one's labor and recognizing God's sovereignty.

Application: This sermon encourages Christians to reevaluate their perspective on wealth, urging them to find contentment in what God provides rather than seeking fulfillment in material possessions, which can lead to anxiety and dissatisfaction.

Teaching: Wealth can often be a source of anxiety rather than joy. This sermon teaches that God calls us to enjoy our blessings and provide for others, rather than allowing our possessions to define us or dictate our happiness.

How this passage could point to Christ: Christ embodies the fulfillment of all God's blessings, teaching us that our true inheritance lies in Him and not in material wealth. He offers lasting joy and contentment that transcends temporary financial security.

Big Idea: True joy comes not from wealth, but from a grateful heart that recognizes and enjoys God's blessings while being freed from the burden of idolatry towards material possessions.

Recommended Study: As you prepare for this sermon, explore the historical context of wealth in Ecclesiastes using your Logos library to understand how the ancient Israelites perceived riches. Consider investigating the Hebrew terms used for 'wealth' and 'joy' to uncover deeper meanings. Additionally, analyze cross-references to New Testament teachings on wealth, such as those in Matthew 6:19-21, to illustrate how Christ's teachings provide a more profound understanding of enjoyment in God versus materialism.

Youtube

Sure! Here's a YouTube description for your sermon on Ecclesiastes 5:13–20, titled "The Burden of Wealth: Finding Joy in God's Gifts":

💰 The Burden of Wealth: Finding Joy in God's Gifts 📖 Ecclesiastes 5:13–20 | Sermon Series: Ecclesiastes: The Quest for Meaning

Is wealth a blessing or a burden? In this message, we explore how the pursuit of riches can often lead to sorrow, anxiety, and spiritual emptiness. But God offers a better way—a life of contentment, gratitude, and joyful stewardship.

Join us as we walk through Ecclesiastes 5:13–20 and uncover timeless wisdom about wealth, satisfaction, and living with eternity in view. Discover how Jesus offers us a joy that transcends material possessions and invites us to find true fulfillment in Him.

📌 Key Themes:

The dangers of hoarding wealth

The futility of material pursuits

Finding joy in God's daily provision

Living with Christ-centered contentment

🕊️ Big Idea: True joy doesn’t come from how much we have—but from recognizing every good gift comes from God. Let’s live free from the burden of wealth and delight in His generous grace.

🙏 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this message to encourage someone today!

📲 For more info, visit: https://laughlinchurch.com 📱 Follow us: Facebook – facebook.com/LaughlinChurch Instagram – @laughlincommunitychurch

#Ecclesiastes #ChristianLiving #Sermon #JoyInChrist #BiblicalWisdom #FaithAndMoney #Gratitude #Contentment #LaughlinChurch

Notes

Absolutely! Here’s a printable sermon notes page formatted for people to follow along, reflect, and interact with as you preach “The Burden of Wealth: Finding Joy in God's Gifts” (Ecclesiastes 5:13–20).

Sermon Notes

Title: The Burden of Wealth: Finding Joy in God's Gifts Text: Ecclesiastes 5:13–20 Series: Ecclesiastes: The Quest for Meaning Date: ____________ Speaker: Pastor Ryan

✨ Big Idea:

True joy comes not from wealth, but from a grateful heart that recognizes and enjoys God’s blessings while being freed from the burden of idolatry toward material possessions.

📖 1. The Perils of Hoarding Riches (Ecclesiastes 5:13–14)

“There is a grievous evil that I have seen under the sun…”

Key Insight: Hoarded wealth often leads to loss and sorrow rather than security and joy.

Why is hoarding riches ultimately harmful?

What does this teach us about trusting in material things?

📝 Notes:

🧠 Reflection Question: Where do I tend to look for security instead of trusting God?

🏃‍♂️ 2. The Futility of Material Pursuits (Ecclesiastes 5:15–16)

“As he came from his mother’s womb he shall go again…”

Key Insight: We enter and leave this life with nothing. Pursuing wealth for its own sake is empty.

📝 Notes:

📌 Cross-reference: Matthew 6:19–21 — Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

🧠 Reflection Question: Am I living for temporary things or investing in eternal ones?

🌾 3. Embrace God's Provision (Ecclesiastes 5:17–19)

“Everyone also to whom God has given wealth and possessions... this is the gift of God.”

Key Insight: God calls us to enjoy what He has provided, with gratitude and generosity.

📝 Notes:

✍️ Interactive Prompt: List 3 things you’re thankful for today:

💛 4. Contentment and Joy in Christ (Ecclesiastes 5:20)

“For he will not much remember the days of his life because God keeps him occupied with joy in his heart.”

Key Insight: When we live with gratitude and trust in God, we can enjoy life without being enslaved to possessions.

📝 Notes:

🧠 Reflection Question: How can I grow in contentment and joy this week?

🧩 Connecting to Christ:

Jesus left the riches of heaven to offer us the treasure of eternal life.

Our true inheritance is in Him.

He frees us from the burden of chasing wealth and invites us into the joy of trusting God.

🗣️ For Further Discussion (Small Groups or Personal Study):

How does this passage challenge your view of wealth and success?

In what ways has God provided for you that you’ve overlooked?

What practical steps can you take to cultivate generosity?

How can focusing on Christ help you overcome the anxiety that money often brings?

🙏 Prayer Prompt:

Lord, help me to treasure You above all things. Teach me to enjoy Your blessings with a grateful heart and to use what I have to serve others and glorify You.

Let me know if you'd like a designed PDF layout to print and hand out, or if you want space for sermon fill-in-the-blanks!

Bible Studies

Absolutely! Here's a 3-day Bible study to accompany your sermon on Ecclesiastes 5:13–20, titled "The Burden of Wealth: Finding Joy in God’s Gifts." It's structured for personal or small group use and includes Hebrew word studies, daily reflections, and application challenges to prepare hearts for continued growth in Ecclesiastes.

📖 Bible Study: The Burden of Wealth — Finding Joy in God’s Gifts

Companion Study for Ecclesiastes 5:13–20 Duration: 3 Days Focus: Contentment, Stewardship, and Christ-Centered Joy

Day 1: The Burden of Hoarded Riches

📚 Read: Ecclesiastes 5:13–14 | Proverbs 11:24–28

🔍 Key Word Study: עֹשֶׁר (ʿosher)

Hebrew for “riches” or “wealth.”

Often carries both positive and negative connotations depending on how the wealth is acquired or used.

In Ecclesiastes 5:13, it points to wealth that is kept or hoarded—not stewarded.

💡 Reflection:

Solomon observes a “grievous evil” in how people accumulate wealth only to lose it in tragic, unpredictable ways.

Why is hoarded wealth portrayed as dangerous?

How do you think a biblical view of stewardship differs from the world's approach to wealth?

📝 Journal or Discuss:

What are some areas in your life where you may be clinging too tightly to material security?

How can generosity free you from anxiety?

🙏 Prayer Prompt:

"Lord, help me to hold my possessions with open hands. Teach me to trust You more than wealth."

Day 2: We Leave With Nothing

📚 Read: Ecclesiastes 5:15–16 | 1 Timothy 6:6–10

🔍 Key Word Study: הֶבֶל (hebel)

Hebrew for “vanity,” “breath,” or “meaningless.”

Used frequently in Ecclesiastes to describe the fleeting nature of life and worldly pursuits.

Verse 16: All efforts to gain riches apart from God are ultimately hebel—empty.

💡 Reflection:

Solomon uses imagery of birth and death to remind us that we bring nothing into this world—and take nothing out.

How does this truth reframe our goals and priorities?

Have you ever felt anxiety from striving for more “stuff”? What does that reveal?

📝 Journal or Discuss:

What are 2–3 possessions or pursuits you tend to overvalue?

How could remembering your eternal inheritance in Christ give you peace?

🙏 Prayer Prompt:

"Father, strip away my illusions of control. Help me to focus on what is eternal and lasting."

Day 3: A Grateful and Joyful Life in Christ

📚 Read: Ecclesiastes 5:17–20 | Matthew 6:19–21 | Philippians 4:11–13

🔍 Key Word Study: שִׂמְחָה (simchah)

Hebrew for “joy,” “gladness,” or “rejoicing.”

In verse 20, the one who lives in joy is described as not being overly weighed down by the troubles of life.

💡 Reflection:

Solomon shifts focus: rather than mourning over lost riches, we are called to enjoy our life and work as gifts from God.

How is joy different from pleasure or entertainment?

What does it look like to live gratefully with what God has already provided?

📝 Journal or Discuss:

How can you practice joy this week in your daily routines?

What would it look like to enjoy your work or responsibilities as a gift?

🙏 Prayer Prompt:

"Jesus, You are my joy. Help me to enjoy the blessings You've given and use them to bless others."

📅 Looking Ahead: Prepare for Next Week

Next week, we’ll continue exploring the Preacher’s wisdom in Ecclesiastes. Begin to reflect on these questions:

Where does your heart drift when you think about what’s “missing” in your life?

In what ways are you seeking more when God has already given you enough?

🕊️ Memory Verse:

“Everyone also to whom God has given wealth and possessions and power to enjoy them… this is the gift of God.” —Ecclesiastes 5:19

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